Close encounter with a black bear? Here's what to do

Aug. 16, 2012

Although still relatively rare, black bears are native to Missouri, and the drought could send them into new areas searching for food. 'Be Bear Aware' signs are posted at Roaring River State Park. / Wes Johnson/News-Leader

Although my encounter with a black bear at Roaring River State Park turned out to be a case of mistaken identity — it was a tree stump, not a bear — it got me thinking about what a person should do if he or she came face to face with a real bear.

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers these tips:

If you encounter a bear along the trail

• Normal trail noise should alert bears to your presence and prompt a bear to leave before you ever see it. Bears usually run and hide from people.

• Use caution in areas such as berry patches where bears are likely to venture.

• Never approach the animal, and observe it only from a distance. Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking, singing or making other sounds.

• If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive and assuring voice.

If a bear comes into your camp:

• Remain calm. Make the bear aware of your presence.

• Do not feed the bear! Bears leave more easily if they have not obtained food.

• Make sure the bear has an escape route.

• Yell, bang pots and pans, throw rocks, wave your arms or use an air horn to scare the bear away.

• If the bear utters a series of huffs, snaps or pops its jaws, and swats the ground, you are too close. Slowly back away.

• If the bear will not leave, move to a car or building, if available. Notify authorities immediately if you encounter an aggressive or nonyielding bear.

• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect smells in the air.

• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, and then slowly back away.

If a bear seems aggressive:

Black bears almost never attack people. If you follow the precautions listed, you probably won’t have trouble with bears. However, in the unlikely event that a black bear does attack, fight the bear aggressively with anything close at hand – rocks, sticks or even your fist. Black bears are usually intimidated by an aggressive counterattack.